“And the land that was desolate shall be tilled, instead of being the desolation that it was in the sight of all who passed by.” - Ezekiel 36:34 (ESV)
Another one of my church locations has beautiful trees in the back parking lot. This campus may become my new home; I’m not sure yet. For now, I’m going where the Lord leads on a Sunday morning. As I obey Him, I pay attention to the details He gives me. In this case, it was the Yoshino cherry blossom tree.
The Yoshino variety shares the qualities of a regular cherry blossom tree: a short season of 2-4 weeks that also serves as a symbol of renewal. It’s another reminder of eternal life while we’re still in the temporary. The main difference is in the color of the flowers. Instead of a blush pink, the blossoms are white.
The colors remind me that, on each side of eternity, life can be beautiful. It already is beautiful because Jesus has turned our petals from red to white. From sinful to sinless. From dirty to pure. We just need to keep our eyes open. We must look for God’s intention and attention to the details. He’s in all of them, even when we can’t see clearly.
This tree is situated in an industrial area, yet new life grows. It’s grounded in this small patch of soil, right in the middle of a paved parking lot. The hot asphalt would be the last place for a plant to grow. Yet life can still be cultivated. This space is no field or meadow, but the small area of soil is all that is needed for this tree to stand strong. Even when all seems hopeless, there is hope to be found. There’s the possibility for life despite what reality looks like. There is evidence that death doesn’t have the final say, regardless of what reality looks like. Regardless of the illusions that beg us to believe otherwise.
In Ezekiel 36, the Lord says that, on the day He cleanses His people, revival will take place. He says that, upon being purified of their sin, people will once again inhabit the cities. The desolate land will be rebuilt and cultivated. Verse 34 says “And the land that was desolate shall be tilled, instead of being the desolation that it was in the sight of all who passed by” (ESV). The Lord, in the new covenant, promises to reunite his people and bless their land. He promises that they will no longer be scattered or displaced, left in the dirt of their sin.
The barren and devastated land may have been less than desirable, but became the perfect platform for the Lord to show His goodness and love through such a transformation. It was through this circumstance that the surrounding nations would notice and marvel at His glory.
The Lord promises new life and vibrant territory. He accomplished this promise through Jesus…and we still hold fast to this promise with Jesus’ return.
Like the colors of the cherry blossoms, this new covenant represents the purity of Jesus. The beauty in his forgiveness. And the abundant life that comes from him alone.
Of all places, I found this tree in a patch of soil amongst the pavement. Just as in Israel’s time, I can visualize how the Lord springs forth life in a barren space. There can be abundance and life, even in the most unlikely places. And it’s all for His glory.
When life feels dry and difficult, there is always hope.
As I realize my needs in this season, I know there is new life wherever I go because God is with me. And in whatever decisions I make, God is still with me. New assignments can be daunting. But now is the time to look for the seeds to sprout…even in the soil that is surrounded by pavement.
Consider the Joy 
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